Local Professional Hiker Tells All: Packing for a Colorado Hike

When it comes to Colorado hiking essentials, I’ve got you covered! Seriously. I've been hiking in Colorado for almost 2 decades. Not to mention, I am an ex-professional writer for the outdoors and I've been published WIDELY on this topic in big-name magazines. I've got this system DIALED and I want to share ALL of it with you! You need quite a few items (thanks to variable weather), but with a little bit of smart packing, you can squeeze it all into a small, compact pack. The trick is to pack the things that take up a lot of room (ie that puffy) into a hat or hood for compact storage. When hiking in Colorado, you’ll want to pack the things you’ll need - such as layers and snacks - towards the top of the pack for easy access. Utilize outer pockets and hip belt pockets for snacks, sunscreen, and lip balm. Support my channel - buy me a backcountry coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/megintheforest I don't accept sponsored gear or trips. I don't hawk courses. And I don't gatekeep information. My mission is to tell my story completely for free. This channel is completely funded by me. ✨ Recommended Gear: There are a few pieces of gear that I use non-stop! These are like a security blanket for me. Seriously. I used to review outdoor gear professionally and these are my absolute must-haves: OR Astroman Sun Hoodie: https://alnk.to/fSiBG9O Skratch Labs Hydration Electrolyte powder: https://amzn.to/3FIFQZn REI Flash 22 Hiking Pack: https://rei.pxf.io/JKvVaq REI Cork-Grip Hiking Poles: https://rei.pxf.io/POvVZe Freshette Pee Funnel: https://rei.pxf.io/e15EGO Kula Cloth Pee Rag: https://alnk.to/5Q7pLD5 Garmin inReach Mini: https://rei.pxf.io/JKvV0q Gerber Dime Multi-Tool: https://rei.pxf.io/zx5b3r Duece of Spades Toilet Trowel: https://alnk.to/2Qyx6dv Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp: https://alnk.to/bEkq8CG SOL emergency bivvy sack: https://rei.pxf.io/7a9Oq3 More incredible gear I love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/megintheforest NOTE These are affiliate links. Meaning I get a small kickback from every purchase, no matter the purchase, at no additional cost to you. This is a small way you can show support for my channel and it means a lot, so thank you! For a complete downloadable packing list, check out this resource: https://bit.ly/COpackinglist ✨ Follow me… Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Aforestfox/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foxintheforestblog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megintheforest/ ✨ Additional Resources ✨ Your Complete Guide to hiking safely - loaded with Colorado hiking tips: https://bit.ly/hikecoloradolocal Discover which Colorado hike best suits YOUR personality: https://bit.ly/3UXksD1 #coloradotravel #mountainsarecalling #coloradohikes #colorado #mountainhiking #hiking #hikerlife #hikemore #hikingtips ✨Time stamps: 00:00 - intro 00:18 - Safety tips and what that means for your packing list 00:38 - Layering system 00:56 - Emergency items 01:20 - emergency communication device tips 01:39 - Sun protection tips and hacks 01:58 - Snacks 02:24 - Water budget 02:42 - Bathroom supplies 03:06 - optional items 02:11 - outro 03:20 - outtakes